January 24, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. ...“The President has given his State of the Union Address, and the Democrats have concluded their first 100 hours of legislation – and now it’s time for Congress to work in a bipartisan fashion to address the urgent needs of our citizens,” said Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX/4th) today.

 “The President addressed some of the key challenges facing America – eliminating the deficit, balancing the budget, providing affordable healthcare for all citizens, strengthening Medicare and Social Security, and combating the war on terror,” Hall noted.  “These are difficult issues that will require an open and honest debate from both sides of the political aisle.”

 “The war in Iraq is a prime concern, and Congress will play a vital role in helping  achieve our goals in Iraq and protect funding for American troops in harm’s way,” Hall added.  “I’m pleased that the House Republican leadership has proposed some strategic benchmarks for success and called for a select bipartisan committee to oversee and monitor efforts to ensure that the Iraqis take the lead in providing their own security.”

“The over-all message of the President’s speech was that this must be the year when the Iraqis begin to protect their own country and provide for their own security,” Hall said.  “This should give every American hope that, by the end of this year, we should see the beginning of a withdrawal of our present commitment in Iraq.”

 During the first 100 hours of votes, Hall voted with a majority in the House to implement recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, particularly the provision to require cargo bound for the United States to be scanned for radiation and density before being placed on a ship in a foreign port.  The bill also requires that all cargo carried on passenger planes be inspected by the end of fiscal year 2009.

 Hall also voted to provide tax breaks to small businesses to ease the cost of the increase in the minimum wage and to protect seniors’ access to prescription drugs and prevent an increase in drug prices as a result of negotiations between the Secretary of Health and Human Services and drug companies. 

 “No amendments were allowed during the first 100 hours of legislative activity, so we were not able to have a full and open debate on various proposals,” Hall said.  “Beginning next week we return to regular order with committee hearings, debate on various proposals, and amendments on the Floor during deliberation.”

 Hall will serve as the Ranking Member of the Committee on Science and Technology in the 110th Congress.  “The next two years are critical for our Nation, and some of our most pressing challenges are related to the jurisdiction of this committee,” Hall said.

 “Scientific research and technological innovation created an economy unparalleled in the world.  The work we do on the committee will help ensure future advancements that will launch new industries, sustain economic growth and maintain America’s competitiveness in the global economy,” Hall noted.